LESSON
Read a medicine label
PRACTICAL SKILLS
GET READY
Sam’s friend Franco has been experiencing back pain recently. His doctor gave him
a prescription for pain relief medicine. What kind of information do you expect to
find on a medicine label?
PRACTICAL READING
A
Read the medicine label. How should Franco take the medicine?
University Medical Center Pharmacy
415 Maple Street, Long Beach, California 90805
(800) 555-5555
DR. NORMAN MARKS
0043063-03123
Date 03/05/2014
FRANCO GARCIA
TAKE 1 TABLET BY MOUTH EVERY 6 HOURS FOR PAIN.
DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 4 TABLETS IN 24 HOURS
HYDROCODONE APAP 5 MG/500 MG
20 TABLETS
NO REFILLS – DOCTOR’S AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED
USE BEFORE
01/01/2015
Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than to whom it was
prescribed. Avoid alcohol while taking this drug. This drug may cause drowsiness. Use
caution while performing tasks requiring mental alertness such as driving. This drug
may be habit-forming. Talk to your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children.
B
Read the label again. Circle the correct answers.
1.
Which statement about Franco’s medicine is true?
a.
He can give some of his medicine to another person if that person feels sick.
b.
He can drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
c.
This medicine does not have any side effects.
d.
Before he can get more medicine, his doctor will have to give permission.
2.
Which statement about Franco’s medicine is NOT true?
a.
He can take one tablet every six hours when he has pain.
b.
He should put the medicine in a place where children can’t get it.
c.
He can take up to six tablets in one day.
d.
His medicine can make him sleepy.
3.
What should Franco do if he still has medicine left in the bottle in 2015?
a.
Continue to use the medicine until it is used up.
b.
Throw away the medicine in an approved manner.
c.
Give the medicine to someone who can use it.
d.
Give the medicine back to his doctor.
6
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UNIT 4
